Me: It’s strange FaceTiming with you in Paris. Could you take your sunglasses off?
Nell: Not for long. I’m undercover.
Me: How is Knitwear Wolf?
Nell: Happy to see me but annoyed I put myself in danger.
Me: Sally isn’t very pleased with you either.
Nell: Well, I’m here now.
Me: Tell me about your journey.
Nell: It was perfectly pleasant. I had my book to read and picked up a sandwich at Barks and Spencer in London to eat on the train.
Me: They do lovely sandwiches.
Nell: Nothing beats a fresh croissant and coffee in a Paris cafe, however.
Me: I’ll take your word for it.
Nell: I’m going to have to put my sunglasses back on now. There are some rather suspicious looking birds gathering.
Me: Oh dear. Was anyone watching you on the train?
Nell: No. There was a rather annoying pink poodle with ribbons in her hair complaining about something in French and gesticulating far too much for my liking.
Me: How annoying.
Nell: Yes. At one point I leant over and pointed out it was a quiet carriage.
Me: Really? What did she say?
Nell: I have no idea. I don’t speak French.
Me: Does Knitwear Wolf?
Nell: Rupert speaks fluent French. He’s Canadian.
Me: But he’s not a Québécois.
Nell: You don’t have to be from Quebec to speak French. Harriet speaks it too.
Me: I didn’t know that.
Nell: You do. It’s in the second book you still haven’t had published when she pretends to be French, is called Mademouselle Ecarlate, or Miss Scarlet, and wears a veil.
Me: Oh yes.
Nell: Hold on. Rupert is telling me to stop as there are birds everywhere.
Me: Be careful, please, and keep in touch.
Nell: I have to go now.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
